New initiative launched in Mayo to keep 'Black Friday' spending in the county

Mayo County Council is launching an initiative to help try and shield local businesses from the impact of online Black Friday sales.

On Saturday, November 29th, the council’s Local Enterprise Office will run ‘Small Business Saturday'.

The council's Head of Enterprise, John Magee, told a meeting of its Economic and Enterprise Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) that Black Friday and Cyber Monday sees Irish consumers spend €1.4 billion online with half of that leaving the country.

“It’s a call to action to people for this one day, Saturday, November 29, to support your local small businesses,” said Mr Magee.

“On that day go to your local business in your town. Support your small business community because they are the lifeblood of our communities, our towns and villages. These are the people who pay for the sponsorship of the local GAA jersey and make so much happen. Let’s divert some of that €700m back into our towns, villages, and communities,” he added.

Cllr Michael Loftus asked Mr Magee if any particular trends have developed in the county when it comes to the type of business that operate in Mayo. 

"Mayo is a little bit different to many other counties. First of all there are more IDA jobs in Mayo than there are in Sligo and Donegal combined. There are 17 FDI companies employing 7,000 people. That's a very significant cohort of well-paid international jobs," explained Mr Magee. 

He said the county also has a host of globally trading indigenous companies.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.